No cheating at the Dixie Classic Fair

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — When you get ready to play a game at the Dixie Classic Fair, organizers say they know for sure each game has been inspected and can be won.

Unlike fair rides, state law does not require games be inspected for fairness and accuracy, but the Dixie Classic does require the games be inspected by city officials.

“People need to know how much it costs, what they have to do to win, and then I check to see if game can be won. Understand, not everybody is gonna win everything, but people want to know they are not getting cheated,” said retired Winston-Salem police officer Bailey Howard, who lead the inspection team every year.

Howard checks to make sure the signage is clear, that it states the rules and prices accurately, and that the games are winnable.

“On basketball for example, are all the hoops NBA regulation, no, but the basketballs will fit in there,” he said.

Howard said part of the fun is making the games a challenge, and he says every game does require some level of skill. He also said people need to understand not everyone will win, but his job is to make sure with the right skill, they can be won.

The Dixie Classic Fair required each game be inspected and played by Howard’s team then given a fair permit before opening Friday.